Eindhoven brothers arrested in 2009 vacation home rape, robbery

By Janene Pieters on January 11, 2017 - 14:25

Arrest (Photo: Politie) police. Arrest (Photo: Politie)

On Tuesday the police arrested two brothers in Eindhoven on suspicion of involvement in a brutal robbery and rape in a chalet in Schaijk in 2009. New information led investigators to the suspects, the police said in a statement on Wednesday. The suspects, age 26 and 28 years, are in custody for further investigation.

The crime happened on May 12th, 2009. A 55-year-old woman and her 46-year-old boyfriend were attacked in a chalet in De Landerije park. Both victims were severely assaulted, the woman was raped and the furniture in the chalet were destroyed. The attack lasted for over an hour. When the offenders finally left, they took several of their victims' possessions with them.

At the time the police launched a major investigation, which led to several arrests, including the 28-year-old from Eindhoven who was again arrested on Tuesday. He was let go due to lack of evidence in 2009. Two others were convicted for selling items stolen from the victims.

Late last year new information was received by the police, and investigators launched a new investigation. The case was discussed on Bureau Brabant and Opsporing Verzocht in November. Further investigation led to the brothers. Their parents home in Eindhoven was searched and a number of items were confiscated.

The duo are in custody for questioning. The police believe that more arrests may follow. The male victim and the relatives of the female victim were informed about developments.

According to ANP, this case is one of 52 cold cases printed on a calendar and distributed among prisoners in five prisons in the Netherlands. The authorities hope that this calendar will encourage prisoners to share what they know about unsolved crimes.